title: Hepatitis B-like infection in a Pacific white-sided dolphin (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens).
abstract: A Pacific white-sided dolphin (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens) developed clinical signs, serum biochemical values, and serologic viral markers consistent with chronic persistent hepatitis caused by a hepatitis B-like virus. The hepatitis had a sporadic cyclical pattern of lethargy, inappetance, and icterus, with leukocytosis and increased serum activities of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and gamma-glutamyltransferase. The serum from this dolphin contained hepatitis B virus core antibodies, hepatitis B surface antibodies, and hepatitis B viral DNA. Supportive treatment consisted of administration of antibiotics, cimetidine, menadiol sodium diphosphate, and vitamin/dextrose supplementation. A clinically normal killer whale (Orcinus orca) housed in the same pool had serum hepatitis B surface antibodies, suggesting immunologic responsiveness and that this disease was not species-specific.
authors.affiliation: Miami Seaquarium, FL 33149.
authors.forename: G D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Bossart
authors.forename: T A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Brawner
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Cabal
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kuhns
authors.forename: E A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Eimstad
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Caron
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Trimm
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bradley
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D004289:Dolphins; D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000662:veterinary*; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies / Q000032:analysis; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000235:genetics; D006521:Hepatitis, Chronic / Q000662:veterinary*; D006524:Hepatitis, Viral, Animal
chemical_list: D004279:DNA, Viral; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens